Panakarkandu paal (Palm sugar candy milk)

Panakarkandu paal (Palm sugar candy milk) is used as a home remedy for cold and cough. Palm Candy (In Tamil- “Panakarkandu”) is produced from the sweet “Neera” from Palmyra. Palm Candy is a nutrient rich, Low Glycaemic Crystalline sweetener; it is completely natural. It has a number of minerals, vitamins, calcium, iron& Phyto nutrients including zinc and potassium.
The sugar content in palm sugar is well balanced. It is a good source of Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. It being rich in iron helps to treat anaemia. Palm sugar being low in the GI helps to cure PCOS problem in women. Palm sugar is “thermogenic” that it takes more energy for the body to burn it. There by it increases metabolism.

Ingredients
Panakarkandu (Palm sugar candy) – 1 cup
Pepper – 1 tablespoon
Dry ginger (sukku) – 1 inch piece
Cardamom – 2 or 3 pods

Method:
1. Crush the panakarkandu and dry ginger to small pieces before adding it to the mixer.
2. Add the pepper, cardamom and the crushed dry ginger to a mixer and pulse it once. Now add the crushed panakarkandu to it and grind it to make a powder. Store in an airtight container.
3. To make the panakarkandu milk, just add 2 teaspoons of the mix to 150 ml of hot milk, mix well, strain it and serve.
4. If it’s going to be for adults you can add some extra pepper and dry ginger. This mix is very handy; just mix it with some hot milk whenever needed.

Note:
You can avoid dry ginger and pepper for babies less than one year old.